'Give Blood To Give Time' To Cancer Patients: Donate In Encinitas

ENCINITAS, CA — The American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have partnered to encourage donors to "Give Blood to Give Time" and help cancer patients.

According to the American Cancer Society, many patient visits and procedures were forced to delay or cancel early in the coronavirus pandemic to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. With procedures resuming, blood donations are critical for cancer treatments. The Red Cross, however, is seeing fewer blood and platelet donors give as the country begins to climb out of the pandemic.

"Many cancer patients, especially those going through chemotherapy, will have a need for blood products during treatment," said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross.

"When someone donates blood or platelets, they may not only help prevent life-threatening bleeding that can cause stroke or relieve some symptoms, like shortness of breath and headaches, but also give patients and their families the time and hope they need to fight back."

Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, reducing red blood cell and platelet production. Other times, the cancer itself or surgical procedures cause the need for blood products. According to the Red Cross, about six blood products are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment. Yet only 3 percent of people in the U.S. give blood.

Blood drives are being held across San Diego County, including in Encinitas. See a list of upcoming blood drives below.

There will be temperature checks, mask-wearing and social distancing. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment at GiveBloodToGiveTime.org prior to arriving at a drive. Individuals who donate through June 13 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Upcoming blood drives in San Diego County

Coronado

6/9/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, 2000 2nd St.

Encinitas

6/3/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Seacoast Community Church, 1050 Regal Road

Escondido

6/3/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Escondido East Valley Community Center, 2245 East Valley Parkway
6/6/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Westfield North County, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway
6/9/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Kidz Care Dental Corporation, 625 W. Citracado Parkway #208
6/12/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Escondido East Valley Community Center, 2245 East Valley Parkway

Fallbrook

6/10/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1620 S Stage Coach Lane

La Jolla

6/8/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Residence Inn, 8901 Gilman Drive

La Mesa

6/8/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd.

Oceanside

6/3/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside Police Department, 3855 Mission Ave.
6/9/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside, 3501 Seagate Way
6/10/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus

Poway

6/10/2021: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Target, 14823 Pomerado Road

Rancho Santa Fe

6/13/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Village Community Presbyterian Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias

San Diego

6/3/2021: 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/4/2021: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/4/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Rancho Bernardo High School, 13010 Paseo Lucido
6/5/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/6/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/7/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Logan Temple A.M.E Zion Church, 302 S 32nd St.
6/7/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/8/2021: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Civita Park, 7960 Civita Blvd.
6/8/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/9/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Christ United Methodist Ministry Center, 3295 Meade Ave.
6/9/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/10/2021: 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/11/2021: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Jersey Mike's, 8590 Rio San Diego Drive #106
6/12/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
6/13/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C

San Marcos

6/7/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mission Hills Church, 400 Mission Hills Court
6/8/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Lodge at Lake San Marcos, 1105 La Bonita Drive

Valley Center

6/6/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Boys and Girls Club Bronner Family Branch Valley Center, 28751 Cole Grade Road

What to know about giving blood

All blood types are needed. Interested in donating? Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information or to make an appointment.

A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.